History

The Orchard School is a co-educational, non-sectarian school educating children preschool through eighth grade.

Nine mothers who were committed to building an alternative elementary and middle school experience in Indianapolis founded Orchard in 1922. The genesis of Orchard came from the writings and philosophy of John Dewey and the progressive school movement of the early 1900s.

Orchard's roots began with just 20 youngsters in a large frame house owned by one of the founding families. The house was surrounded by a beautiful orchard of apple, pear and peach trees, hence the name, The Orchard School.

Orchard’s precept of progressive education was a profound change from educational practices of the time. Orchard children were not taught by sitting in rows and listening to a teacher lecture. Rather, they were involved in the learning process and guided to discover knowledge for themselves. Experiential learning, extensive time spent outdoors and field trips defined the early Orchard experience.

Under the leadership of Gordon Thompson (1934-1984), The Orchard School grew in both reputation and size. Hands-on learning, access to the natural outdoors as a classroom and concentrating on the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of children remained cornerstones of an Orchard education.

In the mid-1950s, Orchard moved to its current location, the school's 50-acre wooded campus at 615 West 64th Street.

Today, Orchard continues to build upon its history and tradition of providing a progressive, child-centered education that puts the child's needs first.